Kia ora my name is Sam West and I am a Primary Trained teacher, with early childhood experience.

I run the transition to school group, the Pūkeko group on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

We base our program around a project-based approach, encouraging nga tamariki to work on skills that are designed to make the transition to school an easier process.

The sessions are structured similar to a new entrants class, and this is mirrored in our environment. The Pūkeko tamariki build their knowledge and confidence, social competence and communication skills. We also want our tamariki to have independence and problem-solving skills which will enable them to make new friends and play in a bigger group setting when at school.